Howdy!! All of these are online library resources available on Kindles, phones, and web browsers, so you can have some variety. I know you sometimes want to get rid of your phone altogether, too. For me, it’s always important for people to know exactly what resources are out there because I once was one of those people who did not!
Note: Some libraries may not offer all of the resources I list. If they do not, try chatting with your librarian to see if your local library has the funding to support the addition of the resources listed. If not, check with other county libraries and see if they offer them there. Branches are quite wide and enjoy extending resources.
Where to find these online resources: Look up your local library website and then search E-media/ Online resources.
Resource 1: Flipster is an online magazine app available on the web and phone. Here you can find a variety of magazines that date back to the early 2000s. On my current list, there’s Woodworking, Better Nutrition, Better Homes & Gardens, Astrology, and Bon Appétit. Whatever you’re into, they have it on here! If you enjoy bookmarking, they have tabs for note-taking and saving pages. Great if you enjoy magazines but don’t want them collected in your home.
Resources 2: Rosetta Stone/ language learning: My personal Favorite!! A passion of mine is actually language learning! A goal of mine is to speak multiple languages to broaden my communication with people. So, to see the library offer this FOR FREE was honestly mindblowing! Different libraries offer different languages, but a few I’ve seen are: Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Greek, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, and so much more. Personally, I’ve been using it to learn Mandarin Chinese and wow… I really enjoy it. They offer extensive classes that focus on pronunciation and grammar. and helps you build up context clues through multiple speech and text questions.
Resource 3: Hoopla: Free web and phone app that gives you access to audiobooks, movies, TV shows, comics/ manga, and music! Depending on your library, you can access 5-7 borrows each month, and it resets each month! If you finish something, you can return it to get more borrows. I am currently reading: Braiding Sweetgrass and a Chinese medicine book.
Resource 4: Libby: online library literally!! Amazing for newer book releases & audiobooks. Suitable with Kindle, which I find amazing! Has over 1 million books available.
Resource 5: Kanopy: This one is for my movie watchers!! Kanopy is the place for you, especially if you enjoy older, historical, educational films, or just classic TV and movies! I was browsing the other day and came across one of my favorite childhood movies. CLUELESS!! Some categories they offer: the arts, business, education, global studies & languages, health, media, science, social science, and series.
Resource 6: Universal class: Last but not least, and my ultimate favorite! Yes, still free. Universal class. Universal Class is an online learning resource with over 1,000 classes. I currently have a strong interest in nutrition and found a nutrition 101 class that offers 11 lessons with exams! I find that super cool. Some categories offered: accounting, business, finance, science, medicine, law, crafts & hobbies, personal development, writing, psychology, etc!!
Bonus resources: In-person free clubs and activities within the library: check your local library’s calendars to see when they have group classes like yoga. Craft and yap, language classes, book clubs, and garden clubs. Archives: art prints + old stories + research papers
That is all I have for you today!! Please remember, even in times of overconsumption, resources are out there that you can engage with that will bring fulfillment. With a balance of both online and in-person free resources, a nice shift can be made. If you wish to watch my related videos I will link them here! Happy Learning!
Focuses on physical media within libraries, clubs, garden accessibility, and more!!
